Tensions Escalate Between Malaysia’s Prime Minister and Johor Royal Family Over Chief Minister’s Appointment

The long-standing tensions between Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr. Tun Mahathir Mohamad and the Johor royal family show no signs of abating. Despite previous attempts at reconciliation, the two entities find themselves at odds again, especially over the power dynamics surrounding the appointment of the state’s Chief Minister.

Despite a meeting last January wherein Dr Mahathir and the Sultan of Johor supposedly cleared the air between them, their relationship has soured once again.

The latest round is all about power, with both sides claiming the final say as to who gets to appoint or remove the “menteri besar” or Chief Minister, of Johor.

The acrimony between the Royals and the Prime Minister heated up again after rumours abounded that Sultan Ibrahim of Johor wanted the Chief Minister of Johor, Osman Sapian, who has strong ties to Dr Mahathir, to be removed from his position, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

It was announced on April 9 that Mr Osman was indeed stepping down. After this, Dr Mahathir announced that it would be his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Malaysian United Indigenous Party), which is the largest one in the state, that would appoint the next menteri besar.

The following day the Prime Minster told the press that this was a “political matter [and] the sultan does not play a role,” and that it was the majority party’s prerogative to choose the next menteri besar.

Under the constitution, royal families have the right to appoint the chief minister provided that the nominee has the majority support at the state assembly.

The Sultan’s son, Crown Prince Tunku Ismail, has been saying on Twitter that it is the Sultan who has “absolute” powers to choose the menteri besar.

The Sultan himself wrote on Facebook, “I want certain parties to stop their noise and political battles and focus on safeguarding the country. With regards to Johor, don’t busy yourself in state affairs as sovereignty remains with the sultan.”

Dr Mahathir answered him by stating to the press, “I am of the opinion that if we assume that those who choose prime ministers and menteri besars were the monarchs, we will no longer be a democratic country.

This is because a party that was rightfully chosen by the people, that has the power to appoint menteri besars, have had their rights denied and [this is] undemocratic. We would be a country with an absolute monarchy.”

When interviewed by This Week in Asia two years ago concerning his relationship with the Johor royals, Dr Mahathir stated that he bore the Sultan and his family no ill will. He said, “If the Sultan doesn’t like me, it’s alright. I am not asking people to like me, I am just going to stand up for what’s right.”

On Tuesday, April 9, he made jokes about Mr Osman’s stepping down. SCMP reports that when the press inquired to whom the menteri besar gave notice of his resignation, Dr Mahathir said, “As of now he has sent his resignation letter to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Mahathir bin Mohamad.”

This title, “Duli Yang Maha Mulia,” is translated to “Your Royal Highness” and is only used for addressing the sultans of Malaysia.

But that was a rare moment of levity in the issue.

This week, Dr Mahathir said that he could take action against the crown prince. “He can speak about anything like a normal citizen, can criticise the government as long as he doesn’t break the law. If he makes statements which can be considered seditious, we will take action against him.”

The crown prince fired back via social media, “If I have to go down defending the constitution, the Malay rulers and Islam. By all means. You know where to find me. As an ordinary citizen, I have the right to ask questions and give opinions. I’m all yours. Finish what you start.”/TISG

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War of words between Dr Mahathir and Johor crown prince continues

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